BLM Utah Raptor Nest Inventory and Monitoring | L17AS00127

FAQs: BLM Utah Raptor Nest Inventory and Monitoring (L17AS00127)

1) What is the BLM Utah Raptor Nest Inventory and Monitoring opportunity?

It is a small cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) intended to build and update on-the-ground information about raptor nesting activity on parts of BLM-managed lands in Utah, especially where future development pressure is likely.

2) What is the main purpose of this project?

The central purpose is to strengthen the raptor nest data BLM uses for planning and management decisions. The work supports evaluating where and how to site projects in ways that reduce conflicts with wildlife by documenting where raptors are nesting, whether previously known nests are still active, and where new nests may be occurring.

3) Is this work focused more on field surveys or office-based analysis?

The core work is field-focused. It centers on checking historical nest sites and searching for and documenting new nest locations, paired with thorough data compilation and submission in BLM-compatible formats.

4) What are the two main field tasks described in the announcement?

The announcement highlights two main tasks: (1) relocating and checking historical nest sites (also referred to as eyries), and (2) searching for and documenting new nest locations.

5) What does BLM mean by "historical nest sites" or "eyries" in this context?

In this opportunity, historical nest sites are previously recorded raptor nest locations in existing records. The work involves relocating these sites and confirming their current status (for example, whether a nest is still active).

6) Why is BLM emphasizing areas likely to face development pressure?

BLM is prioritizing areas where future infrastructure or land use changes may occur so that updated nest status and new nest location information can inform planning, project siting, and measures to reduce conflicts with nesting raptors.

7) What types of future development or land uses are explicitly mentioned?

The announcement links the need for improved raptor nest data to areas potentially targeted for oil and gas development, solar and wind energy, geothermal resources, transmission infrastructure, and recreation uses.

8) How will the information collected be used by BLM?

The improved nest inventory and monitoring data can influence higher-level planning and management decisions, including project siting, timing restrictions, buffers, and other mitigation measures by showing where sensitive nesting areas are and how raptors are using the landscape.

9) Is this described as a formal BLM requirement?

No. The announcement notes the work is not a formal BLM requirement, but it is described as an important continuing effort that helps establish trends over time and improves the quality of information used in management decisions across the state.

10) What is the expected emphasis: confirming old records, finding new nests, or both?

Both. The project aims to confirm the current status of older records and expand coverage by identifying additional nests, which together helps identify high-use raptor areas and establish stronger baseline conditions.

11) What are the major deliverables for this cooperative agreement?

A major deliverable is complete, well-organized data submission. Deliverables include all project source information such as raptor nest/eyrie monitoring data forms, nest location forms, and a digital library of nest photographs, along with organized Field Office-area notebooks (or equivalent) and map and GIS products.

12) What specific forms or source documents does BLM expect to receive?

The recipient is expected to provide raptor nest/eyrie monitoring data forms and nest location forms as part of the project source information submitted to BLM.

13) Are photographs required as part of the submission?

Yes. The BLM expects a digital library of nest photographs as part of the complete project source information.

14) What does BLM mean by Field Office-area notebooks, and what should they contain?

The partner is expected to compile Field Office-area notebooks (or equivalent organized files). These should include the relevant nest forms, detailed monitoring notes for each nest, and activity reports explaining what work was performed and when.

15) Are activity reports required, and what should they cover?

Yes. The announcement calls for activity reports that explain what work was performed and when, as part of the organized documentation submitted to BLM.

16) What map products are requested?

The opportunity calls for map products such as USGS 7.5-minute maps associated with nest documentation.

17) Is GIS data required?

Yes. The deliverables include GIS data that can be incorporated into BLM systems.

18) Does the opportunity require entering data into a database?

Yes. BLM requests that all collected information be entered into an established database, indicating that data management and consistency with existing BLM formats and standards are a key part of the effort.

19) Is data management treated as important as fieldwork in this project?

Yes. The announcement emphasizes that the project is not only about field surveys; it also requires complete, consistent data submission, database entry, GIS deliverables, and organized documentation that can be used directly in BLM systems and planning.

20) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding will be awarded as a cooperative agreement.

21) Which agency is offering this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

22) Is the funding competitive or discretionary?

The announcement describes it as a discretionary funding opportunity.

23) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 15.231.

24) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to any type of entity, subject to any additional eligibility language in the full notice.

25) How many awards does BLM expect to make?

The announcement indicates one award is expected.

26) What is the maximum funding amount available (funding ceiling)?

The funding ceiling is $15,000.

27) What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is L17AS00127.

28) When was the opportunity originally posted?

It was originally posted on May 26, 2017.

29) What was the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date was July 25, 2017.

30) What kinds of outcomes is BLM trying to achieve with this work over time?

By updating older nest records and documenting new nest locations, BLM aims to identify high-use raptor areas, establish stronger baseline conditions on BLM-managed lands, and support trend-building over time to improve future planning and management decisions.